Horn



Dec. 29, 1931. J. M. AUFIERO HORN Filed March 13, 1951 INVENTOR. JOHN M. AUF/EQO, M, (4/1 444 &

A TTORNEYS.

Patented Dec. 29,, 1931 JOHN M. AUFIERO, or BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, AssmivoR T0 E. a. LABORATORIES, me,

or BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION on NEW YORK HORN Application filed March 13, 1931. Serial No. 522,196.

This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved acoustical apparatus, capable of use in numerous difi'erent associations, but primarily intended to beemployed as a warning signal on vehicles, signal stations, etc.

It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus which will have a tone of great carrying power without, however, such tone being of objectionable brilliancy.

A further objectis that of furnishing an apparatus which will operate at minimum expense and which may readily be ap lied to a vehicle or in any other desired instal ation.

Another object is that of providing a Warn ing signal operated by differential in fluid pressure and by means of which a structure will be furnished permitting of ready control of the apparatus without material alteration to the units with which it is associated.

Another object is that of furnishing an aparatus involving relatively few parts, each Individually simple and rugged in construction, these parts being'capable of ready assemblage by relatively unskilled labor, and when so assembled, operating over long periods of time with freedom from diificulty. With these and other objects in mind, reference is had to the attached sheet of drawingsillustrating practical embodiments of the invention, and, in which:

Fig. 1 is a partly sectional side view of one form of apparatus; v

Fig. 2 is a front elevation showing certain of the partsbroken away to disclose underlying construction;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of a slightly difierent form of construction from that illustrated in Fig. 1, and Y Fig. 4 shows a still further form of structure which may be employed.

In these views the numeral 5 indicates a trumpet which may be employed in order to amplify and direct the train of sound waves emanating from the unit hereinafter described. lin certain instances this element might be dispensed with. However, usually in order to obtain most eficient results it is preferred to employ the same, and the length of the air column defined by the trumpet should be properly correlated to the vibra tional frequency set up so that the apparatus may function with utmost efliciency.

To the rear of the trumpet a casing is provided comprising, in the present instance, recessed shell sections 6 and 7. If, as shown, a trumpet forms a part of the apparatus, the section 6 may have a screw threaded extension 8 for the purpose of mounting the trumpet. The sections are coupled against relative movement and the escape of air, as, for example, by bolts 9, and a plate structure may he clamped between the sections by means of these bolts. While such structure might be in the nature of a relatively rigid single plate, it is preferred, as shown in the view under consideration, that the same comprise a plurality of diaphragms 10 of an extremely thin gauge and which are formed with aligned openings .11. F or best results, these openings should be disposed centrally of the plate structure and in registry with the vortex of the trumpet. The passage through the plate structure is sealed normally by a valve 12 which may be mounted by the section 7 and is spring pressed in any convenient manner, as, for example, by a coil spring 13, in order that it remain in seated condition.

A warning signal of this type is a primary utility when associated with an automobile, motor boat, or other vehicle. In such associations, vacuum is always available, as, for example, by tapping the intake manifold of the motor. The present apparatus is vacuum operated and therefore the shell 7 is provided with a passage 14 to which a tube 15. is connected, this tube having its outer end, for example, connected to the intake manifold of an internal combustion motor. According to the present invention, this connection is preferably achieved by utilizing a T coupling 16, one arm of which has connection with the vacuum tank 17 or a baffiing reservoir of any other desired type in turn connected to the source of vacuum supply; the second armof the coupling is connected to the tube 15, and the third arm thereof provides a connection which may be employed to operate a vacuum type windshield cleaner. A valve seat is provided within this coupling and a spring pressed valve '18'cooperates with the seat and prevents normally any connection between the tank 17 and the tube 15. An unseating of the valve 18 may be achieved by using, for example, a flexible cable 19 passing over a roller 20 and connected to a spring pressed push button 21 conveniently associated with the dash board of the vehicle. It is accordingly .obvious that when the push button is pressed, the valve will be unseated to permit a flow of fluid (in the present instance) through thetrumpet 5, through the openings 11, past the valve 12, through the tube 15, and so to the tank 17 or other source of vacuum.

When such a flow occurs, the valve 12, under the urging of the spring 13, vibrates rapidly and this vibration occurs at such frequencies that an audible tone is produced which has great carrying power. In most instances, however, it has been found that this apparatus by itself has certain objections due to the shrillness of tone produced and the fact that the tone will vary according to variations in the number of inches of vacuum available. In order to avoid difficulties in this connection, it is proposed, according to the present invention, to associate with the valve a governing structure. This structure in the apparatus illustrated takes the form of a disk or governor 22 secured to the valve stem and to the rear of the valve body. This disk should preferably-be of small mass so that the factors of inertia and momentum are reduced to negligible quantities. Moreover, it is preferred that it extend in the path of the air currents flowing past the valve lip. When so employed, it is found that the-tone is modulated to an extent such that it is not objectionable, and moreover, variations in vibrational frequency are not perceptible. It is feasible to employ a relatively stiff spring or springs to assure a firm seating of the valve, and without any chattering occurring incident to the use of such spring.

Substantially the same effect may be achieved where, for certain reasons, it is not desired to employ diaphragms 10 or a relatively stiff plate structure, by, for example, having'the valve co-operate with a seat which extends from the outer shell section. Such a seat, as shown by Fig. 3, may be in the form of a gasket or ring 23 formed of metal or rubber, if desired, so as to avoid any clashing. Moreover, as shown in Fig.

4, the seat may form a continuation of the trumpet instead of being aiflxed directly to the section 6. By the construction shown in Fig. 4 one convenient form of adjustment is furnished inthat the trumpet may be projected or retracted, with respect to the shell section mounting the same, and to according- 1% press to a greater or lesser extent against t e valve 12. When once adjusted, the structure may be locked against accidental shifting, as, for example, by a nut 24. Many other forms of adjustment will suggest themselves within the range of mechanical skill to those conversant with the art. However, in all instances it is preferred to employ a governor in association with the valve, such governor to be of the nature shown or else the functional equivalent thereof.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention, as specifically afore referred to, are accomplished. It will be obvious that numerous changes in construction and rearrangements of the parts might be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: I

1. A fluid operated warning signal comprising a casing, a plate disposed within said casing and being formed with an opening, a spring pressed valve seating against the inner face of said plate, and a governor connected to .said valve and extending into the slip stream past the edge of said valve.

2. A fluid operated warning signal comprising a casing, a plate disposed within said casing and being formed with an opening, a spring pressed valve seating against the inner face of said plate, and a governor connected to said valve, said governor comprising a relatively thin gauge plate.

3. A fluid operated acoustical apparatus comprising means providing a valve seat, a spring pressed valve co-operating therewith, and a governor secured to said valve.

4. A fluid operatedacoustical apparatus comprising means providing a valve seat, a spring pressed valve co-operating therewith, anda governor secured to said valve, the body of said governor extending into the slip stream past said valve.

5. A fluid operated acoustical apparatus comprising means providing a valve seat, a spring pressed valve co-operating therewith, and a governor secured to said valve, said governor comprising a plate connected to said valve and of an area greater than said valve.

6. A fluid operated acoustical apparatus comprising means providing a valve seat, a spring pressed valve co-operating therewith, and a governor secured to said valve, said governor comprising a plate connected to said valve and spaced therefrom and of an area greater than said valve.

7 A warning signal comprising a spring pressed valve, a valve seating co-operating therewith, and comprising a plurality of superimposed diaphragm elements formed with coinciding openings normally sealed by superimposed diaphragm elements formed with coinciding openings normally sealed by said valve, said diaphragms being of relatively thin gauge and of a flexible nature.

9. A vacuum operated warning signal including a casing, a plurality of centrally I apertured diaphragm elements peripherally mounted by said casing, a valve adapted to seat against said diaphragm openings and no normally seal the same, and a governor carried by said valve to restrict the movement of the same. i

10. A vacuum operated warning signal including, in combination, a casing, a plurality of centrally apertured diaphragm members peripherally mounted by said casing, a valve carried by said casing adjacent said diaphragm openings, means co-operating with said valve for normally seating the same against said diaphragm openings to seal the same, said casing being formed with an inletand an outlet opening whereby a current of air may be passed through said valve opening to cause said valve to vibrate at audible frequencies. a

In testimonywhereof I aflix my signature.

JOHN M. AUFIERO. 

